When we lived on J Street we were lucky enough to have a quince tree in the back yard. I had no idea what on earth quinces were but I learned quickly that they are challenging. Super astringent, pretty much inedible raw. But when cooked long and slow they turn a beautiful deep pink. And they fill the kitchen with the most delicious floral scent. And the flavor is like the scent - floral, sweet and delectable. They're described as like a cross between an apple and a pear, with a little peachy edge to them. We are lucky enough to have a few quince trees around Niles, and several neighbors who don't want all their quince. So we got a huge batch of organic quince from a neighbor, cooked them up in sugar syrup with a few cinnamon sticks, and now they get to be in your pies!
So why call it a Love Apple Pie? Quince have quite a few myths surrounding them, from Helen of Troy to the original fruit of Eden. Read here for a little primer on some of the stories surrounding this lovely fruit. For me, the smell of them simmering on the stove makes my knees a little week, so I'm happy to have them be the stars of our Valentine's week pie menu.